Independent Living Resources

09/04/2025

🧠💬 Coping With Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues

Struggling to get through the day? If you're dealing with mental health challenges, substance use, or waiting for treatment to begin, you're not alone—and there are small steps you can take right now to support your healing.

📞 In Crisis? Help is Available.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

💙 Start Where You Are
Healing isn’t linear. Be kind to yourself—talk to yourself like you would a friend. Every step forward counts.

🌿 Take Care of Your Body
Get enough sleep and stick to a routine
Spend time outside if it’s safe
Move your body—stretch, walk, or play a sport you enjoy

🧘 Support Your Mind
Write or draw your feelings
Practice deep breathing
Take breaks from news and social media
Explore hobbies and interests
Celebrate small wins

🤝 Connect With Others
Reach out for help when you're ready
Join support groups or online communities
Talk to people who care and won’t judge
Share with your partner if you’re in a safe relationship
Get involved in activities or volunteer for a cause you care about

💬 If you’re in crisis—or just need someone to talk to—call or text 988.

You matter. Healing is possible. 💚
Here's more: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope

09/02/2025

Check out our new friend, Cal the Cavalier, at Western Technical College Resource Block Party! Here until 1:30pm welcoming back the students!

09/01/2025

🎗September is National Recovery Month! 🎗

Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been observed every September to celebrate the strength of the recovery community and promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for mental health and substance use.

💜 This month, we honor:

The individuals in recovery and their incredible journeys
The service providers and communities who make recovery possible
The ongoing efforts to improve access to care and support

Led by SAMHSA, Recovery Month raises public awareness about mental health and addiction recovery. It’s also a time when new initiatives and grant funding are announced to support long-term healing and wellness.

🌟 Recovery is real. Recovery is possible. Recovery is worth celebrating.

Learn more and get involved: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month

08/29/2025

Get ready for your next career move! 🚀

The 8th Annual Coulee Career Fest is just around the corner, and our friends at River Travel Media have a great preview of what to expect. Check out their article for a sneak peek at the businesses, community partners, and opportunities that will be waiting for you.

[Link: https://rivertravelmedia.com/8th-annual-coulee-career-fest-2025-connecting-job-seekers-business-owners-and-community-partners/]

08/29/2025

🛑 Important Update for Medicaid (Badgercare) and FoodShare Members in Wisconsin 🛑

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released new details about how the federal budget reconciliation bill—called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—will affect Medicaid and FoodShare programs in our state.

📌 What You Need to Know Right Now:
Your benefits have NOT changed yet.
Some changes, like new work requirements for FoodShare, went into effect immediately when the bill was signed on July 4, 2025.
DHS does not yet have full guidance from the federal government to implement these changes.
You will be notified when DHS has more information about what you need to do and when.

✅ What You Can Do Today:
Make sure your contact information is up to date in your ACCESS account or the MyACCESS app.
Keep attending your medical appointments and using your benefits as usual.
Watch for texts, emails, and letters from DHS with updates.

📣 DHS will provide updates to the public, partners, and providers as soon as they receive more guidance. They’ve also created a webpage to track these changes:
🔗 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forwardhealth/partners/federal-changes.htm
💬 If you have questions or need help updating your contact info, reach out to us—we’re here to support you.

The budget reconciliation act (known as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act') passed July 4, 2025, included provisions that directly affect Wisconsin’s Medicaid and FoodShare programs. This page will be a central location where partner organizations can find updates and resources to stay informed abou...

08/26/2025

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we celebrate all dogs — from the playful pups in our homes to the heroic companions who change lives every day. 💛

🎖️ Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, offering independence, safety, and support. Whether guiding someone who is visually impaired or alerting to medical conditions, their work is life-saving.

💙 Emotional Support Dogs provide comfort and companionship to those facing mental health challenges. Their presence can ease anxiety, lift spirits, and bring peace during difficult times.

🌈 Therapy Dogs spread joy and healing in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster areas. Their gentle nature and loving energy help soothe hearts and bring smiles wherever they go.

Post a picture of your pup in the comments! Let’s honor these amazing animals and the people who train, care for, and rely on them. 🐶💕

08/24/2025

🌟 FREE Financial Wellness Workshop for People with Disabilities 🌟
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕑 1:00 - 2:30 PM
📍 Online Event

Join this powerful session hosted by the National Disability Institute, designed to help individuals with disabilities build financial confidence and stability.

💡 In this workshop, you’ll learn:
-How to create a budget tailored to a fixed income
-Tips for building an emergency savings fund
-Strategies for managing and reducing debt
-Ways to build and improve your credit
-How to spot scams and protect your finances
-Where to access financial empowerment services

👥 Led by Erin Waddell and Ce Garrison from the Louisville Metro Office of Financial Empowerment. Erin leads the Office, and Ce is a certified financial counselor and economic mobility coach.

🔗 Register here: https://gatheringstrength.org/class/financial-wellness-for-people-with-disabilities/

Let’s build financial strength together! 💪

ASL interpretation and captioning is available. This workshop provides guidance on personal financial management skills with a focus on people with disabilities. People with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them will learn about: How to create and manage a budget tailore...

08/22/2025

Meet our staff Fridays!

Meet Sara.

Sara is the heart and soul of ILR! She’s been with the agency since 2009 and has been leading us as Executive Director since 2021. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to both our consumers and staff. Whether she’s advocating for change, supporting the team, or going the extra mile for someone in need, Sara always leads with her heart. Outside of work, you’ll find her tending to her garden or immersed in one of her many beautiful cross-stitching projects — a true creative spirit!

We’re so grateful for everything she brings to ILR

08/19/2025

🌟 More Exciting News for the Upcoming Aging Expo! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce our main breakout sessions:

•🛡️ Scam Prevention presented by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

•❤️ Hands-On CPR Training presented by Natty Kranz

And that’s not all — we’ve now reached over 50 vendors for the day! 🎉

🎟️ Raffle prizes and basket drawings will happen throughout the day for participants — be sure to stick around!

🥪FREE lunch and refreshments!

Don’t miss a day full of connection, resources, and community.

👉 Register today to secure your spot by calling 608-847-9371.

We can’t wait to see you there!

08/18/2025

See you there!

Smooth Sailing Ahead
Western’s Resource Block Party is your one-stop event to get connected, informed, and ready for the semester.

Tuesday, September 2
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Cleary Courtyard

Enjoy free food, prizes, and live entertainment while learning about campus and community resources. Whether you're new or returning, this is a great way to launch your semester.

See you there!

08/18/2025

In addition to our larger durable medical equipment, we also have smaller items that are available for free! Call our office to claim! 608-787-1111
-Adult diapers
-Various braces, compression items, and wraps
-Telecommunications equipment
-Walker/Cane accessories
-Sock Aids
-Positioning needs (transfer items, gait belt, seat cushions)

Thank you to our Assistive Technology Advisory Council partner for making sure we can get these items back out to the community for free!